The AP-2 transcription factor exists in three isoforms, alpha, beta, and gamma that have proven to be essential for gene expression associated with ectodermal development (1,2). The AP-2 isoforms have also been shown to compose the OB2-1 transcription factor (3,4). OB2-1 has been shown to upregulate c-erbB-2 (Neu), which is overexpressed in 25-30% of breast cancers through increased transcription and amplification of the gene (3). All three AP-2 isoforms are capable of binding to the c-erbB-2 promoter as homo or heterodimers (3). One study has found that AP-2alpha and AP-2gamma are expressed at elevated levels in the majority of c-erbB-2 overexpressing mammary tumor lines they examined (3).

Origin

AP-2alphabeta (A6/2/2) is provided as a mouse monoclonal IgG1 derived from a mouse immunized with a carboxy terminal peptide from AP-2?.